O.K. to mist with distilled water?

lonewolf1253 · 07-06-17, 01:10 PM

I need to mist my Boa's glass enclosure about three times daily to keep up the humidity and, "of course" this is leaving hard mineral deposits on the glass. Pain in the behind, since to remove it, I have to detach every thing and scrap with a razor blade and then scrub with white vinegar. I've read on many sites that distilled or reverse osmosis water is bad for the snake as it has no minerals and the snake does lick droplets of it off the glass. But really, I can't see where that could present a big problem as I frequently see her drinking tap water from her large dish. I really would like to mist with reverse osmosis water. I'm tired of these mineral deposits staining the glass. So my question is, Is it safe to mist with mineral free water, while providing tap water in the main drinking dish? I think it would be but I was just wondering what other, more experienced, keepers think of this? Thanks!
BTW I tried switching to natural spring water and its leaving even heavier deposits, so who knows what's in that stuff. My reptile source sells reverse osmosis water for 30 cents a gallon. I'd love to switch to that, especially when she's old enough to go into the 90 gallon tank I've purchased in advance.

dannybgoode · 07-06-17, 01:21 PM

So long as it's not her only source of water then it'll be fine to spray with distilled.

lonewolf1253 · 07-06-17, 02:01 PM

That's what I was thinking too. There is so much misinformation out there that I basically go by what I read here because I can tell there are a lot of knowledgeable people on this site. Lots of misleading info out there. She loves to get a nice drink after she feeds. Some say that will lead to regurgitation. Others say it helps with digestion. That's the internet for you. I'll learn more on my own as I go along. Thanks for the input.

dannybgoode · 07-06-17, 02:09 PM

My snakes have access to water whether they've fed or not and I've never had them regurge due to it either way...

**Andy_G** · 07-06-17, 02:33 PM

Distilled is fine for misting, as Danny said. It's actually preferable because of exactly what you noted, little to no deposits left behind. Most species that will drink droplets are strictly arboreal as it is sometimes their only water source. Also, the very few species that will regurge because of drinking prior to eating would be certain desert species such as sand boas and even then it's kind of debatable, but boa constrictors won't have that issue.

trailblazer295 · 07-06-17, 07:42 PM

I use RO water for my mist system to prevent clogging the components. My carpet has a water dish filled with tap water for drinking.